Frame clamp for electrically connecting electrical leads

ABSTRACT

A plate-like diaphragm member has an insertion opening formed therethrough corresponding to and cooperating with the funnel of a housing for a free clamp when the diaphragm member is in position in the housing. A clamping body is affixed to the diaphragm member at the insertion opening thereof so that an electrical conductor passes through the funnel and the opening into the clamping body. A threaded clamp threadedly coupled to the clamping body moved the bottom of the clamping body upward thereby bringing the electrical conductor into electrical contact with a fixed contact member in the clamping body.

United States Patent Rauter et a1. 7

14 1 Aug. 8, 1972 11101111111 L cuunucmn 1 DIAPHRAGM L 8 NDTCH ll.

FIXED CDNTACT MEMBER [54] FRAME CLAMP FOR ELECTRICALLY 3,313,135 4/1967 Reisner ..70/408 I CONNECTING ELECTRICAL LEADS [72] Inventors: Gunther Rauter, Edgar Wiessner, gzgzzl zgg 'k ig Mmggqgi AttorneyCurt M. Avery, Arthur E. Wilfond, Herbert [73] Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Berlin, Lerner and Daniel-[Tick and Munich, Germany [57] ABS R CT 22 F1 d: 7 June 1 1970 A plate-like diaphragm member has an insertion open- PP 461998 ing formed therethrough corresponding to and cooperating with the funnel of a housing for a free 52 L clamp when the diaphragm member is in position in E g 339/217 339/198 the housing. A clamping body is affixed to the [58] Field 264 270 1 diaphragm member at the insertion opening thereof so G 6 that an electrical conductor passes through the funnel and the opening into the clamping body. A threaded 56 clamp threadedly coupled to the clamping body 1 References Cited moved the bottom of the clamping body upward UNITED STATES PATENTS thereby bringing the electrical conductor into electri- 3,496,521 2/1970 Hohorst ..339/95 as? mm a fixed Contact member m the clamp' 304,171 8/1884 Caslin ..292/76 x 3,539,977 11/1970 Woertz ..339/198 5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 3,246,283 4/1966 Huska ..339/198 3,201,594 5/1940 Sitts ..292/76 THREADED BLAMPlNB MEMBER 3 "mm PRDTRUSIUN RECESS 1D 9 1 I P01111011 I l 1 1 5 INSERTIDN 11 "W FUNNEL 5 J1 CLAMPING BUDY g 7 mAPHRAGM 5 12 gig -snAPrn PATENTED AUB 8 I972 3 683, 321

FIXED CONTACT MEMBER [X 1 g 2 [ILAMPING BODY Fig.4

FRAME CLAMP FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING ELECTRICAL LEADS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a frame clamp. More particularly, the invention relates to a frame clamp for electrically connecting electrical conductors. The frame clamp of the invention electrically connects electrical conductors or leads to electrical equipment and comprises a clamping body in a housing which is displaceable in the housing at a lead-in funnel, during the rotation of a threaded clamping member. The frame clamp has a diaphragm ear, tongue, lobe, fin, or the like, at the clamping body for sealing an opening between the bottom of the clamping body and the lead in funnel when the clamping body is moved upward.

Known frame clamps of the aforedescribed type, as described in German Pat. No. 1,994,429, have a clamping body having a bevelled fin, a lobe, tongue, ear, or the like, which functions to close the opening below the bottom of the clamping body which occurs when the clamping body is moved upward. The production of clamping bodies having specifically shaped bevelled plates, fins, or the like, is relatively expensive and im pairs the stability of the clamping body, since the bevelled fins present weak points at which rents, tears, separations, or the like, occur in the clamping body.

Clamping bodies, as described in German Pat. No. 1,996,971, have recesses formed therein at the side of the plates, fins, or the like, to provide better bevelling thereof and are for the purpose of improving the aforedescribed difficulties. However, even this design of a clamping body is not free from notch effects during the clamping of the conductors. Furthermore, the manufacture of known clamping bodies presents special problems, since the bottom of the clamping body must have a depression therein to provide a better bearing for the leads to be connected therein.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a new and improved frame clamp for electrically connecting electrical leads.

An object of the invention is to provide a frame clamp for electrically connecting electrical leads, which clamp overcomes the disadvantages of known clamps of similar type.

An object of the invention is to provide a frame clamp for electrically connecting electrical leads, which clamp is sturdy in structure and is not subjected to tearing stresses.

An object of the invention is to provide a frame clamp for electrically connecting electrical leads, which clamp is of simple structure and functions with efficiency, effectiveness and reliability.

An object of the invention is to provide a frame clamp in which the electrically conducting wires are prevented from slipping in between the bottom of the clamping body and the end of the lead-in funnel, that is, next to the clamping body itself.

An object of the invention is to manufacture the clamping body of a frame clamp with simple tools.

In accordance with the invention, the fin, lobe, tongue, ear, or the like, is provided as a diaphragm in the form of a substantially planar member. The diaphragm is connected to the clamping body. A lead-in opening is provided for the clamping body.

The frame clamp of the invention permits the manufacture of the diaphragm from relatively thin material, so that there is a saving of material in comparison with known devices. Since the thickness of the diaphragm does not depend upon the thickness of the wall of the clamping body, the diaphragm may be provided as a locating member or elastic body or spring for the clamping body in the housing. This provides the advantage overknown types, that the clamp may be opened without rattling around in the housing or getting lost. This results in a considerable saving effort with regard to the mounting of the clamping body, since the threaded clamping member need not be turned back while the electrically conductive lead is being connected. Furthermore, the utilization of the diaphragm as a locating or positioning member permits a clear open position for the clamp even when the device is so inclined that the frame clamp or threaded clamping member would have to be rotated from below. Since the diaphragm is manufactured as a separate part, it does not entail additional effort, if a wedge is provided therein and functions to prevent shifting of the solid contact part embedded within the clamping body and guided in the housing, in shifting relation. To accomplish this, it is advantageous to form a cut-out section in the diaphragm. A fixed contact part may be inserted into the cut-out section of the diaphragm and a recess may be formed in the fixed contact part in cooperation with the diaphragm. The position of the cut-out section of the diaphragm and a notch in the clamping body are selected so that the fixed contact part may be readily inserted on the outside, between the notch and the clamp. Since the clamping body is displaceably guided in the housing,

The diaphragm may be inserted, if necessary, onto a journal of the clamping body having an opening. To simplify the mounting process even further, however, the diaphragm may be riveted, or otherwise affixed, to the clamping body.

In accordance with the invention, a frame clamp for electrically connecting an electrical conductor to a fixedcontact member of electrical apparatus, the frame clamp being housed in a housing having a lead-in funnel opening thereinto, comprises a plate-like diaphragm member having an insertion opening formed therethrough corresponding to and cooperating with the funnel of the housing when the diaphragm member is in position in the housing. A clamping body is affixed to the diaphragm member at the insertion opening thereof whereby an electrical conductor passes through the funnel and the insertion opening into the clamping body. The clamping body has a bottom member. A fixed contact member of electrical apparatus extends into the clamping member in the housing. A threaded clamp is threadedly coupled to the clamping body for moving the bottom member of the clamping body upward thereby bringing the electrical conductor into electrical contact with the fixed contact member.

The diaphragm member is substantially elastic and locates the clamping body in the housing. The diaphragm member and the fixed contact member include cooperating means for preventing the displacement of the fixed contact member in the housing. The cooperating means comprises a cut-out formed in the edge of the diaphragm member and an extension formed on the fixed contact member, the extension of the fixed contact member having a recess formed therein which cooperates with the cut-out of the diaphragm member.

The diaphragm member has a recess formed therethrough and the clamping body has an extension seated in the recess and affixed to the diaphragm member. The housing has a notch formed therein and the diaphragm plate has a protrusion extending therefrom and adapted to seat in the notch thereby positioning the frame clamp in the housing.

In order that the invention may be readily carried into effect, it will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view, partly in section, of an embodiment of the frame clamp of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clamping body and diaphragm of the frame clamp of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the diaphragm of the frame clamp of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a top view, partly in section, of the embodiments of FIG. 1.

In the FIGS, the same components are identified by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 1, an electrical conductor or lead 1 is connected to electrical equipment, not shown in the FIG. in order to maintain the clarity of illustration, by a frame clamp comprising a clamping body 2. The frame clamp further comprises a threaded clamping member 3 and a diaphragm 4 affixed to the clamping body 2. The clamping body 2 and the diaphragm 4 are inserted into a housing portion 5 having a lead-in funnel 6 formed therein to accommodate the electrical conductor 1.

The threaded clamping member 3 is threadedly engaged in internally threaded bores of superimposed or stacked end members of the clamping body 2 assembled as a frame. A fixed contact member 7, which is inserted in the clamping body 2, functions as a pressure member for the threaded clamping member 3, so that during the turning of said threaded clamping member about its axis, said clamping body and the diaphragm 4 are moved against the direction of rotation of said threaded clamping member. The bottom 8 of the clamping body 2 then abuts the electrical conductor 1 and presses said electrical conductor against the fixed contact member 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the clamping body 2 and the diaphragm 4 are affixed to each other via a projection, protrusion, extension, attachment, or the like, 9 of the clamping body 2 which extends into a recess 10 formed through the diaphragm 4. If the protrusion 9 is riveted, or otherwise suitably affixed, in the recess 10, the diaphragm 4 is securely affixed to the clamping body 2.

An insertion opening 11 is formed through the diaphragm 4 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for accommodating the electrically conducting lead 1 and for directing said lead into the opening of the clamping body 2. The diaphragm 4 has a plate-like portion 12 shaped as a fin, lobe, tongue, ear, or the like. A hump, bulge, protrusion, or the like, 13 is formed in the ear-shaped part 12 of the diaphragm 4 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and is accommodated in a notch, recess, slot, groove, or the like, 14 formed in the housing portion 5 (FIG. 1).

The ear-shaped part 12 of the diaphragm 4 is elastic, so that the protrusion 13 on the surface thereof fits into and engages with, or seats in, the notch 14. The positioning or locking of the protrusion 13 of the diaphragm 4 in the notch 14 establishes the open position of the frame clamp and affixes the clamping body 2 stationarily within the housing portion 5.

The fixed contact member is displaceably mounted or guided in the housing portion 5 by means of notches therein, not shown in the FIGS. The fixed contact member 7 is prevented from displacement by the diaphragm 4 of the frame clamp of the invention. This is achieved, as shown in FIG. 3, by forming a cut-out, notch, groove, or the like, 15 in an edge of the diaphragm 4. An extension 16 (FIG. 4) of the fixed contact member 7 is inserted in the cut-out 15 of the diaphragm 4. The extension 16 of the fixed contact member 7 has a recess, notch, groove, or the like, 17 formed in an inside edge thereof. The recess 17 of the fixed contact member 7 encloses the diaphragm 4.

When the fixed contact member 7 is positioned as shown in FIG. 4, for the purpose of moving the extension 16 of said fixed contact member into the cut-out 15 of the diaphragm 4, said fixed contact member is secured in the indicated position, after the displacement of the clamping body 2. A part 18 of the fixed contact member 7 projects into the clamping body 2 and constitutes the connection between said contact member and the electrically conducting lead 1. The electrical equipment, not shown in the FIGS, but intended to be connected to the electrically conductive lead 1, is electrically connected to the fixed contact member 7. In FIG. 4, the clamping body 2 and the diaphragm 4 are illustrated in section, at different levels. The cut-out 15 of the diaphragm 4 is preferably so positioned that the clamping body 2 and said diaphragm must be displaced or moved beyond the notch 14 of the housing portion 5 in order to prevent a traverse of the position of said diaphragm required for insertion of the fixed contact member 7 during operation of the frame clamp. The diaphragm 4 of the frame clamp of the invention thus permits the secure insertion of the electrical conductor 1 into the clamping body 2 and the locking of said clamping body in the desired position. Furthermore, the diaphragm 4 secures the fixed contact member 7 against displacement, when said fixed contact member is in its inserted position.

The frame clamp of the invention may be provided in open position, so that the mounting of the pressure spring, prior to the insertion of the electrical conductor 1, may be eliminated. The structure of the frame clamp of the invention is so simple that it is well suited for mass production.

While the invention has been described by means of a specific example and in a specific embodiment, we do not wish to be limited thereto, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A frame clamp for elastically connecting an electrical conductor to a fixed contact member of electrical apparatus, said frame clamp being housed in a housing having a lead-in funnel opening thereinto, said frame clamp comprising a substantially planar plate-like diaphragm member having an insertion opening formed therethrough corresponding to and cooperating with the funnel of said housing when said diaphragm member is in position in said housing,

a clamping body affixed to said diaphragm member at the insertion opening thereof whereby an electrical conductor passes through said funnel and said insertion opening into said clamping body, said clamping body having a bottom member, a fixed contact member of electrical apparatus extending into said clamping body in said housing;

threaded clamping means threadedly coupled to said clamping body for moving the bottom member of said clamping body upward thereby bringing the electrical conductor into electrical contact with the fixed contact member; and

cooperating means on said diaphragm member and said housing for establishing the open position of said frame clamp and affixing said clamping body stationarily within said housing.

2. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein said diaphragm member is substantially elastic and said diaphragm member locates the clamping body in the housing.

3. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein said diaphragm member and said fixed contact member include cooperating means for preventing the displacement of said fixed contact member in said housing.

4. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 3, wherein said cooperating means comprises a cut-out formed in the edge of said diaphragm member and an extension formed on said fixed contact member, the extension of said fixed contact member having a recess formed therein which cooperates with the cut-out of said diaphragm member.

5. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 3, wherein said cooperating means of said diaphragm member and said housing comprises a notch formed :in said housing and a protrusion extending from said diaphragm member in an area thereof beyond said clamping body and adapted to seat in said notch thereby positioning said frame clamp in said housing.

Data-d August 8, 1-972 :43) Gfinthor Rauter' at Invcnto that error appears in the above-idcntified patent d as shown below:

ficd that said Letters It is corti and Patent are hereby correcte printed specificatio ed filed June 19,

--German Application In the heading to the there should be inolud Signed and sealed this 10th day of April 1973.

ROBERT GOTTSCHALK (SEAL) Attest:

R J R r E e H c C l T f E I LO F .g M H 1 Dt Mans e W t D t EA Commissioner of Patents 

1. A frame clamp for elastically connecting an electrical conductor to a fixed contact member of electrical apparatus, said frame clamp being housed in a housing having a lead-in funnel opening thereinto, said frame clamp comprising a substantially planar plate-like diaphragm member having an insertion opening formed therethrough corresponding to and cooperating with the funnel of said housing when said diaphragm member is in position in said housing, a clamping body affixed to said diaphragm member at the insertion opening thereof whereby an electrical conductor passes through said funnel and said insertion opening into said clamping body, said clamping body having a bottom member, a fixed contact member of electrical apparatus extending into said clamping body in said housing; threaded clamping means threadedly coupled to said clamping body for moving the bottom member of said clamping body upward thereby bringing the electrical conductor into electrical contact with the fixed contact member; and cooperating means on said diaphragm member and said housing for establishing the open position of said frame clamp and affixing said clamping body stationarily within said housing.
 2. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein said diaphragm member is substantially elastic and said diaphragm member locates the clamping body in the housing.
 3. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein said diaphragm member and said fixed contact member include cooperating means for preventing the displacement of said fixed contact member in said housing.
 4. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 3, wherein said cooperating means comprises a cut-out formed in the edge of said diaphragm member and an extension formed on said fixed contact member, the extension of said fixed contact member having a recess formed therein which cooperates with the cut-out of said diaphragm member.
 5. A frame clamp as claimed in claim 3, wherein said cooperating means of said diaphragm member and said housing comprises a notch formed in said housing and a protrusion extending from said diaphragm member in an area thereof beyond said clamping body and adapted to seat in said notch thereby positioning said frame clamp in said housing. 